As the 2013-2014 Serie A season begins to near its conclusion, the inevitable discussion of summer transfer window is commencing in earnest. AS Roma are likely to appear in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2010-2011 season, and as such will need summer reinforcements to bolster their squad. Time and time again this season their starting eleven has been exposed to injuries which have hindered the club’s performances.
In their recent fixture against Napoli they were without the injured Italian international Federico Balzaretti (who is long-term), Daniele De Rossi through suspension, Captain Francesco Totti, and minutes into the match lost midfield pivot Kevin Strootman. As such Napoli were able to take advantage of these absences and made a statement advocating their push for the coveted 2nd position – direct qualification into the UEFA Champions League. Kevin Strootman for the record has torn his ACL and will miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Heading into this year the biggest question depth wise was the reliability of the strikers, but when called upon they have proven vital to the success of the club. Earlier in the season Roma had a streak of four straight draws – the common factor between them were the lack of their top strikers Totti or Mattia Destro. One must remember that this is in a non-European year for Roma; as much as they have invested this past summer, they will need to once more if they want to stand a chance in European play on top of Serie A.
Now past the half way mark, it’s dawned that the biggest area of concern is the midfield. Without Strootman and De Rossi, Roma were exposed defensively against Napoli. As much as Rodrigo Taddei has proven his capability of slotting into the lineup when called upon, they need more reliable midfield coverage than a 34-year old who is in the twilight of his career. Radja Nainggolan has played admirably but is a different type of player than Strootman or De Rossi.
In an ideal world, the perfect summer signing for the Giallorossi would be Parma midfielder Marco Parolo. His transfer fee would be relatively cheap considering the return Roma would be getting; Parolo is a mature, reliable and adept central midfielder who would provide apt depth. He rose to prominence as one of the stars of Cesena several years ago upon the Seahorses’ promotion to Serie A and assisted them in remaining in the league for an additional year while teammates Emmanuel Giaccherini and Yuto Nagatomo left for greener pastures. He has the potential to participate in the 2014 World Cup for Italy as he is having a fantastic season for Parma, having scored seven goals in 26 matches.
Why Marco Parolo out of all the brilliant players in world football?
For starters, he has a proven track record of consistency. There would be no surprises; Roma would know exactly who they are acquiring.
Secondly, clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona have been monitoring Kevin Strootman and Miralem Pjanic respectively; there is a chance if offered a large enough sum, Roma will allow them to depart the capital as they did with Marquinhos, Osvaldo and Lamela this past summer. If one of their midfielders are sold then Parolo would slot into the squad nicely behind Nainggolan. If they aren’t then he’ll still slot in behind Nainggolan – it’s that simple.
Is Marco Parolo the summer signing Roma need to carry them into the UEFA Champions League?
I believe he would indeed be a suitable acquisition for Rudi Garcia’s side, but again, only time will tell if this dream becomes a reality.
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